Differences between priority and non-priority debts
If you do not pay priority debts it can lead to losing your home, essential services or imprisonment
Priority Debts (Pay These First)
Do you know why they're priority: Failure to pay can lead to losing your home, essential services, or even imprisonment.
Examples:
Rent or mortgage arrears
Council Tax arrears
Gas and electricity bills (with your current supplier)
Court fines and magistrates' court fines
Child maintenance payments
Debts to the HMRC (like income tax or VAT)
Non-Priority Debts (Pay After Priority Debts)
Do you know why they're non-priority: Creditors must obtain a court judgment (CCJ) before taking serious action, such as seizing goods, and there is no risk of losing a home, essential services, or imprisonment.
Examples:
Credit cards
Bank loans (unsecured)
Overdrafts
Store cards and catalogue debt
Payday loans
Money owed to friends and family
You can find more about priority and non-priority debt on the Money Helper website.
Get help
If you need advice about your situation, we can help for free.
- Email: info@youthlegal.org.uk
- Phone: 020 3195 1906 (Mon to Fri, 10am to 6pm)
- Contact form: youthlegal.org.uk/contact-us
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